Hello,
I would like to modify the control logic using Energy Management System (EMS) in OpenStudio.
According to the EnergyPlus Input Output Reference for VRF systems: https://bigladdersoftware.com/epx/docs/24-1/input-output-reference/group-variable-refrigerant-flow-equipment.html#zoneterminalunitlist
it is stated that, for ZoneHVAC:TerminalUnit:VariableRefrigerantFlow, the air stream entering the zone can pass through a cooling coil, a heating coil, and an optional supplemental heating coil (typically assumed to be electric resistance heating).
Based on this, I have the following questions:
- Is it possible to modify the internal control logic (using EMS) so that:
when the zone temperature is above a certain threshold, the system operates in cooling-only mode,
when the zone temperature is below a certain threshold and the relative humidity is above a specified limit, the system operates in cooling + supplemental heating mode (i.e., cool-reheat for dehumidification),
and when the zone temperature is below the threshold and the relative humidity is below the limit, the system remains off?
- If modifying the internal VRF terminal logic directly is difficult or not feasible, is it possible to achieve the same control behavior by:
adding a resistive (electric) heating coil at the AirLoop level, and
applying the same temperature- and humidity-based control logic there (e.g., via EMS)?
- Alternatively, should this be approached by:
running the simulation in OpenStudio,
exporting or accessing the generated EnergyPlus IDF file, and
directly modifying the IDF (including EMS objects) and re-running the simulation outside of OpenStudio?
Thank you.



